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Application of Green Technologies in The Field of Construction
Application of Green Technologies in The Field of Construction
The study project investigated the application of green technology in the United
The review of the literature was based on research from past studies founded on
the perspective of all research objectives and background of the research topic.
the study. Web based survey was employed because it was not practicable for the
researcher to carryout field investigations and physical interviews across the UK.
The study respondents were drawn from various construction companies across the
impact. The outcomes were interpreted, assessed, and discussed with basis on
comparison with past research supported by the findings from journal articles and
government websites.
ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The successful completion of this project would not have been possible
without the support of the University and the project managers who took
pursuit this project than the members of my own family. I would like to
thank my parents; whose affection, care and guidance are always with me in
whatever I seek after. They are a definitive moral example and role models
for me.
Lastly, I would like to thank my friends and colleagues who have contributed
in one way or the other to make my stay at the university a memorable one.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION i
ABSTRACT ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS x
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
1. Introduction 1
2. Literature Review 7
3. Research Methodology 29
iv
3.1 Introduction 29
3.2 Research Design 29
3.3. Sampling 30
3.4 Interpretivism Research Philosophy 30
3.5 Research Method 31
3.6 Methods of Data Collection 31
3.7 Data Analysis 32
3.8 Study Limitations 33
3.9 Validity and Reliability 34
3.10. Ethical Considerations 34
3.11. Summary 35
Chapter 4: Findings and Interpretation 36
4.1 Introduction 36
4.2 In your opinion what would be the significance of using green
technologies within your projects? 36
4.3 What is the impact of green technologies on the productivity of
construction firms? 37
4.4 Which green technologies have you employed in your projects? 38
4.5 What are the barriers and challenges that hinder the acceptance and
implementation of green technologies in the UK construction industry? 40
4.6 Have you incorporated green technologies into your recent
construction or renovation project? 41
4.7 How do you believe the environment will be impacted with the
application of the green technologies in the construction field? 42
4.8 In your opinion, how can the construction industry approach the
preservation of the environment by the use of green technology? 43
4.9. The government is a critical player in the adoption and use of green
technologies. Do you believe that the UK government has done enough to
ensure the adoption of the GBTs? Kindly provide details 44
4.10 Kindly provide the strategies that you deem appropriate for
promoting the adoption of green building technologies in the UK
construction industry? 45
4.11 Kindly provide any other information that you deem important but not
captured by the questions in the survey? 46
v
Respondent’s bio-data 47
Discussion 52
5. Discussions 52
5.1 Introduction 52
5.2 Summary Discussion 52
5.2.1 In your opinion what would be the significance of using green
technologies within your projects? 52
5.2.2 What is the impact of green technologies on the productivity of
construction firms? 53
5.2.3 Which green technologies have you employed in your projects? 53
5.2.4 What are the barriers and challenges that hinder the acceptance
and implementation of green technologies in the UK construction
industry? 53
5.2.5 Have you incorporated green technologies into your recent
construction or renovation project? 54
5.2.6 How do you believe the environment will be impacted with the
application of the green technologies in the construction field? 54
5.2.7 In your opinion, how can the construction industry approach the
preservation of the environment by the use of green technology? 55
5.2.8 The government is a critical player in the adoption and use of
green technologies. Do you believe that the UK government has done
enough to ensure the adoption of the GBTs? Kindly provide details 55
5.2.9 Kindly provide the strategies that you deem appropriated for
promoting the adoption of green building technologies in the UK
construction industry? 56
5.2.10 Kindly provide any other information that you deem important but
not captured by the questions in the survey? 56
5.3 Biodata from Respondents 57
5.3.1 Age of respondents 57
vi
5.3.2 Gender of respondents 57
5.4 Summary 57
Chapter 6 59
6.1 Introduction 59
6.2 Conclusion 59
6.3 Recommendations 62
References 63
Appendix 75
Questionnaire: 75
STUDENT PROJECT ETHICAL REVIEW (SPER) FORM 78
vii
List of Tables
viii
List of Figures
ix
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
Abbreviation Meaning
PV Photovoltaic
x
Chapter 1: Introduction
Introduction
1. Introduction
products that are environmentally friendly, for instance, through the reduction of
to renewable sustainability is the major focus of green technology, and its eco-
friendliness is employed and developed in ways that are incapable of disrupting the
gas flora to countryside households that have empowered society as well as have
product design that minimizes generation and use of perilous substances. However,
1
development costs, thus, making it expensive, and its attainable benefits are reliant
(Soni, 2015).
of polluting groundwater. Additionally, they contaminate the water and soil with
substances incapable of being removed from the water consumption supply as well
as crops grown on affected soil. Therefore, the health risks towards human health
are profound (Soni, 2015). In addition, according to Aithal and Aithal (2016), green
2
However, the building industry considerably affects the innate surrounding,
society, and economy. On a global scale, the building sector uses 40% of aggregate
power production, 12-16% of every available water, 32% of renewable and non-
solid waste, and emits 35-45% of carbon dioxide. In the previous years, there has
need for further research due to the lack of widespread awareness related to green
building, fear of risk, and short-term high involved costs. Therefore, green
The study importance consists of green technology. The study project aids in
green building technology within the UK construction industry. The dissertation also
entails comprehending assessment tools of BREEAM and the green building design
guide.
3
1.5 Research Aim
promotion and sustenance while conserving and protecting the natural resource
environment.
UK construction industry;
construction industry?
ii. What are the approaches that promote green building technology
4
construction industry. The diverse low power materials and cost-effective
infrastructure that generates a huddle towards the study. Additionally, the gathered
information was compiled from various construction companies whereby some were
affiliated variables, for instance, BREEAM preceding to the beginning of the research
study.
countries including the United States in the creation of the LEED evaluation system.
The research forwards the need for conservation and protection of the environment
knowledge results into the identification of factors or aspects that can be employed
guidelines. The literature informs the public about the dangers of excessive
choosing eco-friendly approaches and energy, for instance, reusable energy that
5
technology application in the UK construction industry. The literature is diverse and
The dissertation will comprise six chapters. The first section consists of the
topic overview including the definition of green technology, BREEAM and the green
building design, the pertinent technologies as well as their impact, rationale of the
study, aim and objectives, and research limitations. The literature review will entail
journal articles, peer-reviewed journals, and books from various authors. The third
chapter entails the methodology to the study while the fourth, fifth and sixth
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Chapter 2: Literature Review
2. Literature Review
In relation to the green building design guide, Abualrejal, Udin, and Mohtar
(2017) state that in the current globalization epoch, sustainable structures have
efficiency, and sustainable design of the individual structure. The factor of energy
refurbishment aids in reducing greenhouse gas discharge plus reduction that results
to the buildings energy efficiency. In addition, the built environment level to 30-
40% of the world energy use and linked greenhouse gas production hence
performance competence are factors considered while selecting apt green structure
materials.
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Samer (2013) expounds that certain government measures stipulated in
structure concepts. The low energy structure design needs parametric research
active power efficient strategies. The active strategies include electrical lighting, air
envelope separates the outdoor and indoor settings of a structure and it is a major
aspect that establishes the controls and quality of the indoor situations irrespective
According to Reed, Clouston, Hoque, and Fisette (2010), the United Kingdom
developed the initial environmental evaluation strategy in 1990 titled the British
widely employed with the inclusion of the United States in creating their strategies
of evaluation and its recent version 2.0 was initiated in 2008. Furthermore, Reed,
Clouston, Hoque, and Fisette (2010) expound that BREEAMs water efficiency offers
a spot for filtered water decrease although it does not state the particular reduction
8
undertakings that demonstrate that threats of airborne and waterborne legionella
infectivity have been reduced while the HEA 16 deals with access to drinking water
and providing a spot for undertakings where the evidence establishes mains-fed use
point water coolers are offered. The mains-fed use point water cooler is straight
mains-fed use point water to the building's users. Therefore, BREEAM states that
these are fixed "to both the wall and the flow to prevent vandalism and contain
(2014) state that BREEAM was created to certify and assess buildings as indicated
in the direction of the sustainable structure has emphasized social and economic
9
factors with affiliated growth within the evaluation criteria scope. The program
currently provides credits for small quantities of societal impacts, for example, a
comfortable and pleasant office building design suitable for work. Additionally,
health as well as welfare, pollution and ecology. BREEAM provides credits basing on
these classifications that are further totalled and weighted on unclassified, pass,
good, very good, excellent and outstanding scale. Furthermore, BRE primarily
hazardous substances to becoming harmless prior to their entry into the outer
10
environment. The technology rids the hazardous substances of their strong and
the control technology provides the environment with the capability to protect itself
Sierra-Vegas and Teran (2012) who expound that it entirely implicit that pollution
Construction Industry
Hussin, Rahman, and Memon (2013) state that toxic substance emission is
reduced by green buildings all through its life phase while harmonizing with
buildings possess the capacity of improving and maintaining human life quality
while sustaining the ecosystems capability at both global and local levels. There are
several benefits that arise from green structures, for instance, improved
considerable operational savings. The illustration below shows the benefits of green
buildings.
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Figure 1: Benefits of green buildings (Hussin, Rahman, and Memon, 2013).
the structure of the lease. The tenants leasing these structures directly profit from
comparison to similar but lesser efficient structures due to the advantages obtained
from green buildings. These will result in minimized operating costs that are ideal
cohorts of individuals. The financial benefits include utility bill cost saving for
households through water and energy efficacy, and elevated value of the property
12
and lesser costs of construction for construction developers. Additionally, enhanced
occupancy costs for the structure proprietors and creation of jobs. From a global
410 billion euros in energy expenditure savings. At the national level, the green
building sector in Canada produced a gross domestic product of 23.45 billion dollars
green building created jobs by 2018 is to account for over 3.3 million dollars in the
USA. In contrast to the UK, green job creation has always been on the agenda of
the government policies, as highlighted by the labour leader that the government
pledges to decarbonize the UK and in so doing will introduce policies which will be in
line to reduce the net carbon emissions by nearly 60% by 2030 and create over
perspective, the benefits of green buildings surpass the environment and economics
majority of these benefits revolve people’s welfare and health that operate and live
in green workplace and homes. The employees in adequately ventilated and green
offices account for over 100 per cent enhancement in brain function. In addition,
office employee with windows sleeps on average of forty-six minutes more every
night and improved interior air quality that consists of less pollutant and carbon-
installation and procurement outlays of green structures might become initially very
13
expensive. However, in during the long-term, profits become extra profitable for
the general business. The specific forms of technologies are intended for adequate
methodologies for their companies, for example, green structures that amalgamate
systems of solar energy utilize almost 70% lower electricity compared to conformist
systems. Furthermore, the author adds that environmental benefits are probably
technology.
14
According to Darko, Chan, and Owusu (2018), green building technologies is
technologies appropriate for a specific nation’s environment are essential for the
Chan, Darko, and Ameyaw (2017) exhibit that elevated energy efficient
efficient hedge materials and technologies, there exist improved prospects for the
gaining improved public reputation and image as well as acquiring extra market
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green building technologies, their execution encounters some difficulties and
hurdles.
Vanegas, DuBose, and Pearce (2014) explain that several prospects are
technologies. The energy and matter consumption could be minimized through new
energy in meeting human needs. The photovoltaic (PV) panels that produce energy
from solar emission are examples of novel technologies; hence the PV panels utilize
the significant unlimited solar energy resources rather than utilizing limited coal
reserves in making electricity as employed by the human race. The use of waste
concrete and masonry from razed buildings as an aggregate within the novel
concrete relates to taking artificially produced waste that would have been thrown
they have been employed during the course of man's past in meeting people's
needs (Vanegas, DuBose, and Pearce, 2014). There are several technologies that
have been abandoned since novel technologies were created to substitute the old
obsolete, some might demonstrate being useful or recommend ideas for brand new
have acquired fresh functions within systems built from ravaged vehicle tires and
techniques with regards to the subtle predicament of ravage tire removal, building
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constructors have created a lesser cost structure that aids in dealing with dissipate
improving urban biodiversity through sustainable site management and land use.
effects of building and demolition waste, the rate of recycling should be over 90%
signifying reused and recycled novel building materials. The modular construction
reduction and energy efficiency. In addition, the productivity level and health
situation improve when tenants shift to green buildings. Green buildings result in
worker absenteeism from their workplace. Furthermore, Were, Diang'a, and Mutai
(2015) expound that green structures utilize minimal natural resources, water and
waste and present a healthy living environment as they integrate elements, for
17
These buildings use recycled materials and renewable energy while embracing
valuable landscape use as well as have enhanced interior comfort and health
quality.
Construction Industry
“Whole house” strategy by installing power efficient renewable and appraisals all
over Wales. The programme set up originates from the Welsh government Strategic
industry and promoting supply chain renewable energy and energy efficiency. The
possess low household revenues. The illustration below shows several energy
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Figure 3: Energy consumption pattern in the previous 40 years in Wales (Patterson
2012).
Shi, Zuo, Huang, Huang, and Pullen (2013) opine that technologically, the
exhaustion of traditional energy and fossil resources plus its connection to matters
of the environment. Hence, the use of renewable energy and renewable power
Furthermore, there exist some credit numbers for execution of renewable energy in
the rating tools of green buildings. The renewable energy use in construction aids in
renewable energy have become a significant constituent for green development and
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whose inhabitants had encountered fuel deficiency from 2010-2014. In addition,
Littlewood, Karani, Atkinson, Bolton, Geens, and Jahic (2017) state that Wales
from 2010-11 and 2012-14 of Arbed 1 and Arbed 2 respectively that targeted
available homes for upgrades on retrofit power efficiency. There was the need for
resolving issues in available homes due to the main fuel deficiency and carbon
discharge in homes within the UK. The nations of Wales had inefficient and the
worst from the perspective of the energy of all homes in Europe leading to
challenges, for instance, renewable power systems, heating controls, external wall
insulation and new boiler controls. In addition, the housing associations controlled
Arbed that comprised of landlords of largely rented and affordable social homes and
developers whilst the Being Greener Business Unit managed Arbed 2 in West and
South Wales as well as by the United Kingdom public building facilities and
contractor manager.
enumerating energy consumption and material stream flow through different levels
of the existence cycle. The merit of LCA is going past the conventional study of
aiming at one level through expanding the examination of different stages, for
greenhouse gas discharge in the operation level. In addition, while referencing ISO
14044 and ISO 14040, the LCA comprises of four stages that includes inventory
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analysis, result interpretation, scope and goal description and impact evaluation
(Dixit, Fernandez-Solis, Lavy, and Culp, 2012). Additionally, the LCA is capable of
environmental impacts hence improving the building’s design (Bribian, Capilla, and
Uson, 2011). Furthermore, life cycle evaluation on the lighting retrofitting indicated
with firms and research organizations in studying the advantages of green industry
incentive coverage to entail the use of green technologies and products, expanding
and Chung (2010) explain that the behavioural and cultural elements are critical for
21
sector regarding theories of sustainable development and green construction. In a
study undertaken to assess Hong Kong resident attitude towards green features of
instance, interior air quality, noise control and water efficiency. These behaviours
emerging from climatic change, the construction industry encounters viable barriers
the low carbon market since there is a continued rise in energy expenditure in
reaction to signals from the global market. Therefore, there is a need for reduced
costs on energy since availability and costs of power are a major element in
22
According to Were, Diang'a, and Mutai (2015), several metropolitan locations
have been undertaken to inhabit the whole site. The innate green structure has
been damaged by the occurrence of compaction to levels that thwart air movement
locations. Furthermore, the need for monetary resources hinders the change to
access. In addition, the initial green investment cost is elevated, and payback
Nonetheless, there exist savings in the energy use from green buildings, such as
Samer (2013) opines that construction planners are usually constricted in their
tools that help in facilitating the process of low energy building planning, they
characteristically need bigger investments of money and time usually over those
augmenting in developing countries. However, energy costs are low, but the usage
systems are elevated and need prolonged payback timeframes. Therefore, they
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prioritize the use of conventional functions. The elevated green construction costs
and technologies are hurdles to its adoption. The green material prices are high as
equipment and technology saves the building's energy though costs are regarded
as principal difficulties in adopting green building technology. The costs also arise
from developer’s import of novel technology from different countries hence the
augmented rise in cost. Furthermore, the author adds that freshly initiated
operation for green systems and technologies are paramount for their
consistent (Mosly, 2015). However, the need for reliability will become another
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support. In scenarios where the top administration is non-committal to
green material supply chain challenges that originate from the elevated material
2018).
Shaw and Allen (2016) exhibit that there is a need for a professional labour
training and education authorities in the field of green building skill development.
The green economy is essential in relieving the present unemployment level as well
as reducing the elevated carbon effect in the economy. Though green construction
projects are more expensive than traditional projects, the extra capital expenditure
of the green building is as low as 1 per cent. Therefore, the required expertise to
correct and create plans in order for the structure to exploit its efficacy, as well as
the cost of modelling, becomes the principal rationale for the cost augmentation.
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Abraham and Gundimeda (2018) explain that challenges in green building
procedure for under speculation within the power service marketplace and unclear
price signs, the vicious stakeholder incentives, building sector fragmentation, need
for coordination as well as outdated thumb rules as major hurdles resisting energy
efficiency investment. Furthermore, other barriers include the need for financial
as, need for awareness and information, inadequate expertise, need for customer
the need for information and cost hinder green building. Additionally, identified
uncertainty and risk, extended approval and planning processes for novel green
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According to Samari, Godrati, Esmaeilifar, Olfat, and Shafiei (2013),
adoption. The incentive presents low risks as well as monetary support towards
facilitate their investments offsetting any prospective risk that might arise from the
venture. Nonetheless, high green building upfront costs are unable to cover and
Additionally, Gundogan (2012) asserts that the building team requires resources
and time in performing research regarding appropriate green material. Whilst the
non-expert team members in green building are unable to provide clear and precise
project team concerned with tender and contract issues, technology application,
during construction. The danger of utilizing novel green materials and technologies
image of costs and benefits, as well as the analogous elevated transaction costs
and initial costs alongside the affiliated additional threats, discourage prospective
predicaments arise from hidden costs in relation to involved total costs that are
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particularly hidden outlays as unintended outcomes, such as, unforeseen results
monetary risk, enhanced capital costs, and the danger of impediment with
government support.
2.5 Summary
benefits of adopting green building, the approaches employed while adopting green
building technology. There are several researchers that have supported their
studies in examining the concept of the green building within and outside the
United Kingdom. However, the literature presented in the current section highlights
adopting the green technology or ignoring its execution through the continued use
of traditional construction.
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Chapter 3: Methodology
3. Research Methodology
3.1 Introduction
This chapter presents the research design, and undertaken methodology. The
design is created in illustrating the general approach to attaining the objectives and
aims of the dissertation. There are various research strategies discussed below in
The design employs the questionnaire in its study. The questionnaire was
selected due to the fact that it provides ample and relevant information regarding
the study variable due to the limited need to compile adequate data to complete
the dissertation. The design was selected as it would aid in uncovering pertinent
and accurate data basing on the study objectives and questions presented to the
respondents in the field during the questionnaire filling after their receipt. The
objectives and questions. The study additionally designs while considering the
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recorded responses of project managers, project directors and senior project
3.3. Sampling
however, the involved sample size accounts for 65 participants that engaged in the
study chosen from various construction companies across the United Kingdom
industry. The research employs a random sampling approach for the study
building field project managers in the UK since they possess adequate experience
respondent insight (Creswell et al., 2017). The philosophy enables instruction of the
acquiring relevant data. Additionally, since Interpretivism meets the criterion of the
research objectives. In the present study, it investigates the study topic application
30
of green technology in the construction industry. The study also comprises of data
The research uses both quantitative and qualitative study strategies that are
data plus aiding in reacting to study questions as well as achieving the objectives of
the study. In addition, the data section is probably for statistical assortment hence
enabling the compilation of reliable and adequate data from the study field. The
data from study respondents in understanding their concept perception about the
research variable under study. The principal research concerns data acquired from
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industry. The project managers were resources of data concerning their use and
construction. On the other hand, the questionnaire became separated into triple
sections basing on the research questions and objectives as well as the main
industry employees were respondents targeted for the study thus aiding in
a specific theme for all study sessions that require interpretation and analysis from
aspects of the study. The thematic strategy is employed to permit emphasizing the
questionnaire under the three-theme approach. The initial session relates to green
building technology adoption within the United Kingdom and enables categorization
of essential elements regarding the benefits that might lead to efficient green
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merits and advantages introduced by green building technology within the UK
construction industry. Thirdly, the final theme examines the challenges encountered
provide the researcher with ample collected data responses from the participant’s
viewpoint concerning their attitudes and experiences regarding the barriers faced
the use of tables, graphs and pie charts representing acquired data from the study
field. These statistical representations aid in depicting results achieved from the
respondent's responses.
while conducting the study questionnaire in the field and presents constraints
constraints to its study questions, objectives and aims that significantly relates
sector.
building technology in the United Kingdom. The constraints to the study include
analysis of benefits about the adoption of green construction technology as well the
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barriers encountered while adopting the green building technology. Additionally, the
study attains treatment for reliability when there is the presence of certain
and Coldwell (2004), there are presently two validity types, and these are external
and internal validity. External validity refers to the degree to which study outcomes
internal validity concerns how pertinent the study results could be undertaken
The research study prioritized ethical considerations with the study objectives
and aims designed on grounds of effective study significance and ethics that would
offer constructive information to readers. On the other hand, the study employed
appropriate consent and approval from all respondents prior to the study. The
34
respecting participant privacy and the project focuses on undertaking its research
highlights the need for awareness in green building technology, damaged resulting
from poor or failure to adopt green building technologies as well as the challenges,
benefits and reasons for green building adoption within the UK construction
3.11. Summary
This chapter outlines the research methodology which includes the data
collection approach, research design, data analysis and the study limitations. This
also outlines the validity, reliability and ethical considerations with the research
objectives and aims. The outcomes of the study were achieved from the random
sampling strategy through the usage of questionnaires distributed via the web-
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Chapter 4: Findings and Interpretation
4.1 Introduction
The present section gives enlightenment and discussion regarding the study
findings and outcomes. The analysis was undertaken basing compiled data through
plus the benefits, approaches, and challenges of green technology adoption in the
to the question that accounts for 65(100%). The respondents in their view sited
reduction of energy consumption for end users the major significance for employing
realizing sustainable development of green buildings and those that stated others
accounted for 16(25%), 11(17%) and 3(4%) respectively. The higher agreement
with reduction of energy consumption for end users implied green technologies
36
alignment with Vanegas, DuBose, and Pearce (2014) that explained that several
new technologies. The energy and matter consumption could be minimized through
new technology development that is not reliant on conventional material kinds and
construction firms?
The results from participant responses indicated that all respondents were
involved in responding to the question that accounted for 65(100%) of the selected
agreed with financial boost accounted for 13(20%), health and safety concerns for
end users accounted for 11(17%) while others indicated 6(9%) agreement to the
37
statement on the impact of green technologies on construction firm productivity.
The findings indicated that most of the respondents agreed that green technologies
improve competitiveness in the industry while the least stated none of the above
correlation with the Scottish Government (2018), that opined that Scotland's power
concentrated industries might face challenges while adapting to the low carbon
from the global market. Therefore, there is a need for reduced costs on energy
From the findings, all respondents were involved in response to the question
that indicated 65(100%) participated in the study. The study participants that
38
agreed with PV solar panels accounted for 23(35%), Solar water heater 11(17%),
Wind generator 12(18%), Rainwater harvesting system 17(26%), and Energy star
HVAC installation 5(8%). Additionally, the majority that agreed that their projects
employ Double glazing installation were 40(61%), while those that used Energy
monitors, Green roof and others accounted for 21(32 %), 8(12%) and 5(8%)
respectively. The findings indicated that most of the respondents agreed that
projects involve the use of double glazing installation and PV solar panels probably
photovoltaic (PV) panels that produce energy from solar emission are examples of
novel technologies; hence the PV panels utilize the significant unlimited solar
energy resources rather than utilizing limited coal reserves in making electricity as
39
4.5 What are the barriers and challenges that hinder the acceptance and
The results from the field indicate that all study participants were involved in
respondents. The findings showed that initial costs and technical factors were
respondents that stated buildings heritage were 7(11%), the absence of sufficient
other were 9(14%), 5(8), 5(8) and 1(1%) respectively. The outcome indicated that
the majority of the responses stated initial costs and technical factors that the
major aspect that hinders implementation and approval of green technologies in the
UK building sector. These findings were in alignment with Qian, Chan, and Khalid
plans are usually professed as possessing greater initial construction and design
well as the analogous elevated transaction costs and initial costs alongside affiliated
green building.
40
Figure 7: Barriers and challenges that hinder the acceptance and implementation of
green technologies
selected were completely involved in the study. The respondents that stated Yes,
but excessively were 10(15%), Yes but minimal were 27(42%), No, not planning to
do so accounted for 16(25%), No plans at all were 11(17%) while others that
specified accounted for 1(1%). The findings indicated that most respondents stated
yes, but minimal on the incorporation of green technologies in their recent building
and renovation projects. The results were in agreement with Littlewood, Karani,
Atkinson, Bolton, Geens, and Jahic (2017) who stated that Wales witnessed two
premeditated power performance support programs titled Arbed from 2010-11 and
41
2012-14 of Arbed 1 and Arbed 2 respectively targeting available homes for
upgrades on retrofit power efficiency. There was a need for resolving issues in
available homes due to the main fuel deficiency and carbon discharge in homes
within the UK. Therefore, the initiation of retrofitted measures aided in resolving
these challenges, for instance, renewable power systems, heating controls, external
project
4.7 How do you believe the environment will be impacted with the
to the question signifying 9 did not answer the question. However, the respondents
that stated less pollution accounted for 11(16.92%), saves energy 4(6.2%), costly
42
4(6.2%), creation of efficiency 1(1.54%), reduces carbon dioxide 2(3.1%),
not sure 15(23.08%). The findings indicated that majority of the study participants
stated good on how the environment will impact with green technology application
within the construction sector. Therefore, application of green technology has not
negative effect on the natural environment. The bar graph shows how the
Percentage Frequency
Not sure
Good
Sustainability
Greenhouse gas reduction
Reduces Carbondioxide
Creation of efficiency
Costly
Saves energy
Less pollution
0 5 10 15 20 25
4.8 In your opinion, how can the construction industry approach the
The findings from the field show that only 55 respondents answered the
study participants were asked and responded as save energy, lower price, build
greenhouse technology, build standard, site analysis for energy use, good and not
43
study respondents stated that they were not sure about how the construction sector
activities. Those that were not sure were followed by participants construction of
technology.
Frequency Percentage
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Save energy Lower price Build Build Site analysis Good Not sure
greenhouse standard for energy
technology use
4.9. The government is a critical player in the adoption and use of green
The results from the research field indicated that only 56 respondents
responded to the question and 9 did not answer the question. The respondents
answered with responses of making it mandatory, not enough, good and not sure.
correspondingly. The majority of respondents stated that the government has not
44
facilitate the adoption of green technology by the UK construction sector. The bar
Percentage Frequency
Not sure
Good
Not enough
Make it mandatory
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
4.10 Kindly provide the strategies that you deem appropriate for
construction industry?
The results from study indicated that only 55 respondents answered the
question and 10 did not respond, however, the responses were more advertising,
reducing product costs, increasing financing, sustainability, recycling, good and not
respondents stated that they were not sure of the appropriate strategies that would
45
promote implementation of green construction technologies within the UK building
sector.
Figure 12: What is deemed appropriate for the adoption of green technology
Percentage Frequency
Good
Sustainability
More advertising
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
4.11 Kindly provide any other information that you deem important but not
Findings from the study showed that 48 respondents answered and 17 did
not answer the question. Regarding information respondents deem essential that
could be captured by the survey, the participants stated price of building cost
green technologies 1(1.54%), wind farms 1(1.54%), good 3(4.62), and not sure
39(60%). The study outcome therefore showed that majority of the participants
stated that they were not sure of any other additional information that could be
46
Figure 13: What respondents think would be added to the survey questions
Percentage Frequency
Not sure
Good
Wind farms
Introduction of laws
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Respondent’s bio-data
responded to the age question. The study showed that none of the respondents was
below 18 years and those between 18-29 years accounted for 6(12%), and
respondents between 30-44 years were 17(33%). The study participants aged
between 45-60 years and above 60 years accounted for 22(43%) and 6(12%)
correspondingly. The findings indicated that most of the chosen respondents were
between 45-60 years. The majority of respondents signify the level of experience
companies do not mostly employ young engineers and project managers due to
47
Figure 14: The respondent’s age
The findings showed that from the entire populace of 65(100%) of selected
Nonetheless, results from the study indicated that males and females accounted for
35(68%) and 16(31%) correspondingly. The outcome showed that the study had
more male compared to female respondents chosen for the study that also signifies
the will by more men to provide their opinion on the issue of green technology
within the UK building industry. The results might indicate men are at liberty to
48
Table 1: Respondents’ gender
From the study, results showed that respondents originated from different
parts of the UK in their participation in the study. The number of respondents that
indicated their locations of origin accounted for 65(100%) of the selected study
participants. The regions of origin consist of North East Yorkshire and the Humber
8(12%), 4(6%), 6(9%), 5(8%), 15(23%), 5(8%), 4(6%), 7(11%) and 11(17%)
correspondingly.
the London and Scotland main regions. The finding probably signifies that these
green building technology due to the probable benefits the technology would bring
to both the health of its users and the environment. The table below shows the
49
Table 2: Showing origin of respondents
The pie chart below shows a representation of the study respondent's origin.
50
4.15 Summary
The current chapter includes themes from the survey questionnaire, results
and interpretation of the data collected during the course of the research. The
researcher has employed the Web-based survey approach to facilitate the collection
of data, including the questions were in your opinion, what would be the
significance of using green technologies within your projects, what are the impacts
that are employed in their projects, the challenges and barriers that hinder
industry, how they believe the environment will be impacted with the application of
the green technologies in the construction field, in the respondents view, how can
the construction industry approach the preservation of the environment by the use
of green technology, provide the strategies that you deem appropriated for
industry, and providing any other information that you deem important but not
captured by the questions in the survey. These themes were analyzed and
discussed in relation with the literature review previous studies from other authors.
51
Chapter 5:
Discussion
5. Discussions
5.1 Introduction
The current section of the dissertation entails discussion of findings from the
outcomes obtained from respondents in the field. However, themes from the
The project managers in their view sited reduction of energy consumption for
end users the major significance for employing green technologies in their projects
with a majority of the respondents. The research respondents that agreed with the
green buildings and others were less. The high level of agreement implies that the
green technology is majorly used for reduction of power consumption. The response
is supported by Yu, Lu & San (2014) that the genuine construction project is
natural resources.
52
5.2.2 What is the impact of green technologies on the productivity of
construction firms?
respondents that agreed with that financial boost, health and safety concerns for
end users and others were less. The outcome indicated that competitiveness was
The findings are supported by Jofre (2011) that explained that sustaining and
ambitions.
From the findings, few participants agreed that PV solar panels, Solar water
heater, Wind generator, Rainwater harvesting system, and Energy star HVAC
agreed that their projects employ Double glazing installation, while those that used
Energy monitors, Green roof and others were also minimal. The above results are
enhance comfort and reduce energy expenditures as well as long lasting as they
5.2.4 What are the barriers and challenges that hinder the acceptance and
The findings showed that initial costs and technical factors were barriers
53
UK construction sector due to majority of study responses from the field. The
in comparison. The findings by Chan, Effah, Darko, & Owusu-Manu (2016) exhibited
& Zhang (2016) stated that green technologies are additional incurred cost in
building as capital outlays are enhanced with utilization of green approaches, such
as, energy and water saving machinery, elevated performance wadding protection.
The respondents that stated Yes, but excessively were, No, not planning to
do so, No plans at all while others that specified and Yes but minimal had majority
respondents. The majority stated that they were not planning to implement green
5.2.6 How do you believe the environment will be impacted with the
The participants responded that those in agreement with less pollution, saves
reduction, sustainability and not sure were few whilst good were the majority. The
outcome signified that most respondents were in agreement that the human
environment was well impacted through the application of green technologies. The
outcome was supported by Jainudin, Jugah, Ali & Tawie (2016) that explained that
the rising numbers of building projects while employing green building technologies
54
is becoming extra essential since it aids in creating efficient explanations in
5.2.7 In your opinion, how can the construction industry approach the
of save energy, lower price, build greenhouse technology, build standard, site
analysis for energy use, good and not sure on how the construction sector
technology while those that stated that there were approaches that could preserve
5.2.8 The government is a critical player in the adoption and use of green
The outcomes from the research analysis and findings showed that study
participants responded with answers of making it mandatory, not enough, good and
not sure. Majority of respondents were not sure whether the UK government has
adequately ensured GBTs adoption in the construction industry. The statement was
in alignment with Sangster (2006) that asserted that the United Kingdom then had
55
5.2.9 Kindly provide the strategies that you deem appropriated for
construction industry?
The results from study indicated that responses included more advertising,
reducing product costs, increasing financing, sustainability, recycling, good and not
sure. The majority were not sure of the statement while those that stated the
distinguished responses were few. The statement was not in alignment with Chan,
Effah, Darko (2017) that opined that expanding client awareness regarding the
construction sector.
5.2.10 Kindly provide any other information that you deem important but
respondents deem essential that could be captured by the survey, majority of the
study respondents were not sure. The participants on price of building cost,
adoption of more green technologies, wind farms and good were few.
56
5.3 Biodata from Respondents
responded to the age question. The study showed that none of the respondents was
below 18 years and those between 18-29 years accounted for 6(12%), and
respondents between 30-44 years were 17(33%). The study participants aged
between 45-60 years and above 60 years accounted for 22(43%) and 6(12%)
correspondingly.
The findings showed that from the entire populace of 65(100%) of selected
Nonetheless, results from the study indicated that males and females accounted for
5.4 Summary
questions and objectives themes, and bio-data summary. The initial section had
most respondents stating reduction of energy usage for final consumers for using
competitiveness, most agreed that they use double glazing installation, and
activities, most respondents agreed that the environment would well influenced by
the surrounding when using green technology, and according to respondents, the
57
UK government has not adequately implemented the adoption of green building
green technology. However, most of the responses in the second part of the survey
questionnaire had majority of respondents that were not sure of the asked
mostly male.
58
Chapter 6
6.1 Introduction
for adoption, benefits and challenges on the adopting green building technologies.
These result outcomes result obtaining the study conclusion and recommendations
6.2 Conclusion
minimize the use of energy through recycling; however, green buildings enhance
the quality of human life as well as the ecosystem's stability. Additionally, green
welfare and health as well as its users. Green technology reduces toxic emission of
substances across its lifetime and congruent with culture, traditions, close
59
surroundings and local climate. Additionally, the other benefits include considerable
profitable investments when their operating costs become lower when compared to
benefits include lesser costs of construction for construction developers and the
elevated value of the property, and utility bill cost saving for households through
establishing power efficient renewable and appraisals all over Wales. The
success of KESS 1 that assessed the building superiority of retrofitted external wall
insulation on homes whose inhabitants had encountered fuel deficiency from 2010-
60
On challenges faced by green building adoption, the construction industry
purchase of novel technologies. Additionally, the innate green structure has been
although the construction is concluded, energy costs are low, but the usage of
amongst the masses and the construction industry through promotion of schemes
61
6.3 Recommendations
since its promotion facilitates its adoption among masses. The government would
propose buildings most sectors to using the green building's standard. Additionally,
augment public awareness. The curriculums that currently provide these programs
should extensively develop, however, certain seminars and courses must provide
technologies.
initiating green technology strategies rather relying on the government. The plan
involves the need to become cognitive and arrange their distinct monetary utilities,
for instance, banks could offer very irresistible offers relating to green technologies.
Additionally, green tax exemptions and incentive plans are presented to building
62
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Appendix
Questionnaire:
o Ecological concerns
construction firms?
o Financial boost
o PV solar panels
o Wind Generator
o Energy Monitors
o Green roof/wall
75
4. What are the barriers and challenges that hinder the acceptance and
industry?
o Building heritage
o information asymmetric
o Institutional bureaucracies
o Yes, extensively
o No plans at all
76
8. The government is a critical player in the adoption and use of green
construction industry.
10. Kindly provide any other information that you deem important but
77